Junior League Skills /

With the footy season underway, we've put together a handy page where you can learn some new skills and tips to help you improve on the field!

Holding the ball:

• Spread your fingers around the ball: Thumbs on top, fingers underneath
• Putting your index finger on the seam helps put your hands in the correct position. Then, as you gain confidence, you can create a stronger grip by placing your thumbs on top and fingers underneath
• Your grip should be around the middle of the ball, with fingers spread for best control
• When you're not passing, keep the ball at chest height with your fingers pointing up
• When you're about to pass, point the ball down to waist with your fingers down
• REMEMBER: keep your arms and body relaxed!

The most important points to remember:

• Thumbs on top
• Fingers underneath
• Keep your fingers spread
• The ball should be held more in your fingers than in the palm of your hand

What are the common mistakes?

• Holding the ball with fingers on top
• Not gripping the middle of the ball
• Holding the ball towards the end or point - keep your grip in the middle of the ball

Standing Pass:

• Hold the ball with a basic grip
• Stand side on to your targe
• Step towards your target
• Swing your arms across your body
• Extend your hands towards your target
• With your hand behind, guide the ball to your target area.

Handy tip:

Your arms should finish extended towards your target... and your body should finish facing your target!

Important points to remember:

• Start in a side on position
• Rotate your torso and swing your arms
• Extend your arms and hands out towards the receiver

Common mistakes:

• Stepping with the wrong foot
• Using an incorrect grip - grip the ball as your read above!
• Not standing side on, resulting in the ball going too high
• Not enough arm extension - extend your arms towards the receiver

Catching a High Ball:

• Keep your eyes on the ball at all times
• Focus on moving your legs to quickly get your body in the correct position to make the catch
• Reach up and out with your arms - keep your fingers spread and elbows tucked in
• Keep your elbows into your body
• Allow the ball to land and be trapped in the 'cradle' formed by your arms and upper body
• Bend your knees slightly as you catch the ball. This softens the impact so there is less chance of the ball bouncing out of the 'cradle'

Important points to remember:

• Move quickly to the ball
• Keep your eyes on the ball
• Keep your hands up and elbows in
• Let your knees bend as the catch is made

Common mistakes:

• Moving too slowly into position
• Taking your eyes off the ball
• Elbows spread too wide